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Typically, clip shows face criticism from viewers as an unnecessary diversion, or at best accepted as a requirement for series in the era of episodic releases. This wasn't always the case, though Avatar: The Last Airbender proved it with "The Ember Island Players," a popular episode in its last season now being granted an exclusive Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair collection.

Details regarding the Secret Lair

The full Secret Lair superdrop for the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender collection was revealed earlier this month. This includes five distinct sets, and even though the one called "My Cabbages!" is an admittedly amusing nod to the series' most famous minor character, the additional releases feel a bit lacking creativity, aside from one remarkable entry: "The Ember Island Players."

Inspired by episode 17 in the final season of Avatar: The Last Airbender, this collector's drop features these specific cards:

• 1x Phantasmal Image portrayed as "Absolutely Accurate Actor"
• 1x Braid of Fire
• 1x Cursed Mirror
• 1x Mask of Memory
• 1x Thespian's Stage

The reason this installment is special

Audiences of Avatar clearly recall this particular episode, which acted as a summary of the protagonist Aang and his friends' adventure prior to the final episode. Different from typical clip shows, or compilation episodes, "The Ember Island Players" was not driven due to production constraints or creative challenges. The show's makers genuinely intended to give fans a moment to recap the overall plot, but they decided to approach it inventively.

Throughout the segment, the main characters observe a theatrical performance depicting their adventures at a playhouse located on Ember Island, titled The Boy in the Iceberg. The whole thing is factually incorrect, cheesy, and utterly comical. It succeeds as it plays with the characters' perception regarding their own identities, setting them against against how the world (and notably the Fire Nation citizens) views them. It contains the perfect balance of introspective humor, and it becomes possibly the finest interpretation of Avatar we have had.

Worth and cost

When it comes to cost-effectiveness, this represents an excellent Secret Lair due to one key factor: Braid of Fire. This specific card is valued between $20 and $40 on various platforms currently, and at $29.99 you can obtain the full set, or alternatively $39.99 for the shiny edition.

Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender set can be accessed for pre-release events beginning November 14 and launches globally on Nov. 21.